Tip over structure for a two wheeled vehicle

ABSTRACT

A two-wheeled vehicle, a touring motorcycle, is disclosed. The touring motorcycle may include multiple fuel storage tanks arranged in a split side-by-side configuration. The touring motorcycle may include a rear suspension having a linkage which moves in a direction not parallel with a centerline plane of the motorcycle. The touring motorcycle may include a tip-over structure which prevents unwanted tip-over of the motorcycle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/624,142filed Jan. 17, 2007, titled “REAR SUSPENSION FOR A TWO WHEELED VEHICLE,”U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/624,103 filed Jan. 17, 2007, titled“TWO WHEELED VEHICLE,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/880,909, filed Jan. 17, 2007, titled “TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE”, thedisclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a vehicle and in particularto a motorcycle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Two wheel vehicles, such as motorcycles, are known. It is known toinclude a fuel storage tank on a motorcycle. It is known to provide arear suspension for a motorcycle. It is known to include devices on amotorcycle to minimize damage during a tip-over of the motorcycle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to two wheeled vehicles, includingmotorcycles. The present disclosure relates to the placement of variouscomponents to move the center of gravity of a two-wheeled vehicleforward. The present disclosure relates to the configuration of fuelstorage tanks of a two-wheeled vehicle. The present disclosure relatesto apparatus to prevent an unwanted tip-over of a two-wheeled vehicle.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a two-wheeledvehicle is provided. The two-wheeled vehicle comprising a front wheel; arear wheel generally positioned in line with the front wheel along alongitudinal plane of the two-wheeled vehicle; a frame supported by thefront wheel and the rear wheel; a swingarm pivotably coupled to theframe and supported by the rear wheel; a suspension system coupled tothe swing arm and to the frame. The suspension system including a shockabsorber and a linkage coupled to the shock absorber. The linkage movesin a plane which is transverse to the longitudinal plane of thetwo-wheeled vehicle.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a two-wheeledvehicle is provided. The two-wheeled vehicle comprising a front wheel; arear wheel generally in positioned in line with the front wheel along alongitudinal plane of the two-wheeled vehicle; a frame supported by thefront wheel and the rear wheel; a swingarm pivotably coupled to theframe at a first location and supported by the rear wheel; a suspensionsystem coupled to the frame at a second location. The second locationbeing higher than the first location. The suspension system beingfurther coupled to the swingarm. The two-wheeled vehicle furthercomprising an exhaust system coupled to the engine. The exhaust systemextending rearward from the engine towards the rear wheel and passing infront of the rear wheel from a first side of the two-wheeled vehicle toa second side of the two-wheeled vehicle at a height lower than thefirst location.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, atwo-wheeled vehicle is provided. The two-wheeled vehicle comprising afront wheel; a rear wheel generally positioned in line with the frontwheel along a longitudinal plane of the two-wheeled vehicle; a framesupported by the front wheel and the rear wheel; an engine coupled tothe frame and operably coupled to the rear wheel to power the rearwheel; a steering assembly coupled to the front wheel, the steeringassembly being moveable to steer the front wheel; and a fuel storagetank supported by the frame and operably coupled to the engine. Thesteering assembly including an upper portion above a top horizontalplane of fuel storage tank and a lower portion below a bottom horizontalplane of the fuel storage tank. The lower portion being coupled to theupper portion through a middle portion, at least a portion of the middleportion being positioned rearward of a front vertical plane of the fuelstorage tank.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, atwo-wheeled vehicle is provided. The two-wheeled vehicle comprising afront wheel; a rear wheel generally positioned in line with the frontwheel along a longitudinal plane of the two-wheeled vehicle; a framesupported by the front wheel and the rear wheel; an engine coupled tothe frame and operably coupled to the rear wheel to power the rearwheel; a steering assembly coupled to the front wheel, the steeringassembly being moveable to steer the front wheel; and a plurality offuel storage tanks supported by the frame and operably coupled to theengine. A first fuel storage tank and a second fuel storage tank of theplurality of fuel storage tanks being positioned forward of the rearwheel and in a generally side-by-side configuration.

In still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, atwo-wheeled vehicle is provided. The two-wheeled vehicle comprising afront wheel; a rear wheel generally positioned in line with the frontwheel along a longitudinal plane of the two-wheeled vehicle; a framesupported by the front wheel and the rear wheel; an engine coupled tothe frame and operably coupled to the rear wheel to power the rearwheel, the engine being positioned between the front wheel and the rearwheel; a straddle seat supported by the frame, the straddle seat havinga support surface; and a battery operably coupled to the engine. Thebattery located generally forward of the engine.

In yet a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, atwo-wheeled vehicle is provided. The two-wheeled vehicle comprising afront wheel; a rear wheel generally positioned in line with the frontwheel along a longitudinal plane of the two-wheeled vehicle; a framesupported by the front wheel and the rear wheel; an engine coupled tothe frame and operably coupled to the rear wheel to power the rearwheel; a straddle seat supported by the frame, the straddle seat havinga support surface; a storage compartment supported by the frame andpositioned proximate to the rear wheel. The storage compartment beingpositioned laterally outward of the rear wheel and overlapping a portionof the rear wheel from a direction normal to the longitudinal plane. Thetwo-wheeled vehicle further comprising an at least one support memberpositioned to support the two-wheeled vehicle to prevent damage to anexterior of the storage compartment in the event of the two-wheeledvehicle unintentionally tipping. The at least one support member beingpositioned in a non-overlapping relationship with the storagecompartment.

The above mentioned and other features of this invention, and the mannerof attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itselfwill be better understood by reference to the following description ofembodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of a two-wheeledvehicle;

FIG. 2 is an perspective view of the two-wheeled vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the two-wheeled vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the two-wheeled vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an perspective view of a rear swingarm and a chassis of thetwo-wheeled vehicle of FIG. 1, the chassis including a front framemember and a rear frame member;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the front frame member of the chassis ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an perspective view of the front frame member of FIG. 6 withan air filter, mounting bracket, an electronic module, and a harnessmanagement member coupled thereto;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the steering assembly of the two-wheeledvehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 illustrates the placement of a fuel storage tank relative to thesteering assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of two fuel storage tanks of thetwo-wheeled vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a top of the two fuel storage tanks of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the two fuel storage tanks of FIG. 10located relative to the steering assembly of FIG. 8 and the front framemember of FIG. 5;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a rear suspension coupled to the rearframe member and the rear swingarm of FIG. 5, the rear swingarm beingfurther coupled to a rear wheel;

FIG. 13A is an exploded view of portions of the rear bodyworkillustrating the location that the air line coupled to the rearsuspension of FIG. 13 is accessible;

FIG. 14 is a view of the assembly of FIG. 13 with the rear frame memberbeing shown in phantom to illustrate the rear suspension;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view with the rear frame member shown insection to illustrate the rear suspension;

FIG. 16A is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 13 with the rearsuspension being in an extended state;

FIG. 16B illustrates the rear suspension in the extended statecorresponding to FIG. 16A;

FIG. 17A is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 13 with the rearsuspension being in a mid-travel state;

FIG. 17B illustrates the rear suspension in the mid-travel statecorresponding to FIG. 17A;

FIG. 18A is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 13 with the rearsuspension being in a compressed state;

FIG. 18B illustrates the rear suspension in the compressed statecorresponding to FIG. 18A;

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary motion ratio for the rear suspension ofFIG. 13;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exhaust system of the two-wheeledvehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 13 and illustrates thecross-over location of the exhaust system of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 13 and a reartip-over apparatus;

FIG. 23 is a perspective exploded assembly view of the rear tip-overapparatus of FIG. 22; and

FIG. 24 is a rear view of the assembly of FIG. 13 including a left-siderear tip over apparatus and a right side rear tip-over apparatus.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. Unless stated otherwise the drawings areproportional.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the followingdetailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and describedso that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. While thepresent invention primarily involves a touring motorcycle, it should beunderstood, that the invention may have application to other types ofvehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, watercraft, utilityvehicles, scooters, golf carts, and mopeds.

Referring to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of a two-wheeled vehicle100 is shown. Vehicle 100 as illustrated is a touring motorcycleincluding a seat 102 for supporting an operator in position 104A and apassenger in position 104B. Additional details about vehicle 100 aredisclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/880,909,filed Jan. 17, 2007, titled “TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE”, the disclosure ofwhich is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Vehicle 100 further includes a front ground engaging member,illustratively wheel 110, and a rear ground engaging member,illustratively wheel 112. Vehicle 100 travels relative to the ground 114on front wheel 110 and rear wheel 112. In one embodiment, front wheel110 and rear wheel 112 are generally arranged along a centerline plane116 (see FIG. 4) of vehicle 100.

Rear wheel 112 is coupled to a drive shaft of a transmission through abelt 122. Transmission is coupled to engine 124 which provides power torear wheel 112. In the illustrated embodiment, engine 124 is a 100 cubicinch 4-stroke 50° v-twin spark-ignition gasoline engine available fromPolaris Industries, Inc. located at 2100 Highway 55 in Medina, Minn.55340. In one embodiment, engine 124 has a maximum width of about 380millimeters or approximately 15 inches which allows flexibility andcomfort for the position of the operator's legs. In alternativeembodiments, rear wheel 104 is coupled to the drive shaft through achain drive or other suitable couplings. The drive arrangement in theillustrated embodiment is comprised of a six speed overdrive constantmesh transmission with a carbon fiber reinforced belt available fromPolaris Industries, Inc. In alternative embodiments, the transmission isa continuous variable transmission.

It will be appreciated that while the vehicle 100 is illustrated as atwo-wheel vehicle, various embodiments of the present teachings are alsooperable with three, four, six etc. wheeled vehicles. It will also beappreciated that while a spark-ignition gasoline engine is illustrated,electric motors, and other suitable torque-generating machines areoperable with various embodiments of the present teachings.

Front wheel 110 is coupled to a steering assembly 130. Steering assembly130 includes handlebars 132 which may be moved by an operator to rotatefront wheel 110 either to the left or the right.

Engine 124 is framed by various bodywork components. A front portion ofvehicle 100 includes a front fairing 131 having a central opening 134(see FIG. 3). Steering assembly 130 extends through central opening 134.Front fairing 131 is stationary and does not move left or right withsteering assembly 130.

Referring to FIG. 3, a front panel 136 is provided which frames thefront light assembly 138 including a front driving light assembly 140, ahigh beam light 142, and turn lights 144. Front panel 136 furtherincludes an access panel 146 above which windshield 148 extends.

Returning to FIG. 1, front fairing 131 includes a side panel 150 whichextends from in front of a lower portion of engine 124 up above engine124 and over engine 124 back to seat 102. A second panel 152 follows thegeneral line of side panel 150 and is set inward of side panel 150.Additionally, a top bodywork grouping 158 covers a top portion ofvehicle 100 generally forward of seat 102.

A rear portion of vehicle 100 includes a rear bodywork grouping 160.Rear bodywork grouping 160 includes side panels 162 and 164. Further,rear bodywork grouping 160 includes an exterior of saddlebags 170, arear panel 172 (see FIG. 4), and a removable trunk 174. Referring toFIG. 4, vehicle 100 includes a left side saddlebag 176 and a right sidesaddlebag 178. Saddlebags 176, 178 and trunk 174 are each storagecompartments supported by the frame and positioned proximate to the rearwheel. As shown in FIG. 13A, saddlebag includes a base member 175 whichincludes a storage compartment 177. Storage compartment 177 is coveredby a saddlebag cover 179 which is movable between an opened position anda closed position. Saddlebags 176, 178 are positioned laterally outwardof the rear wheel and overlapping a portion of the rear wheel from adirection normal to the longitudinal plane 116. Trunk 174 is positionedabove the support surface of the straddle seat 102.

Turning to FIG. 5, vehicle 100 includes a chassis 180. Chassis 180includes a front frame member 182 and a rear frame member 184. In oneembodiment, both front frame member 182 and rear frame member 184 arecast one-piece components. In one example, the front frame member 182and the rear frame member 184 are cast aluminum. By casting front framemember 182 and rear frame member 184, variances in component attachmentpoints from instance to instance of a given chassis is reduced comparedto traditional tubular frames. In one embodiment, component attachmentpoints are machined to achieve improved tolerancing. In addition, thetorsional stiffness of vehicle 100 is generally about twice as stiff asa tubular frame vehicle.

Front frame member 182 and rear frame member 184 are coupled together.In the illustrated embodiment, both front frame member 182 and rearframe member 184 are coupled to mounting brackets 186, front framemember 182 through couplers 188 and rear frame member through couplers189. Mounting brackets 186 along with mounting brackets 190 couple toengine 124 such that engine 124 is suspended from front frame member182.

By having front frame 182 and rear frame 184 as separate componentscoupled together, either front frame 182 or rear frame 184 may be usedon another type of two-wheeled vehicle thereby reducing design cyclesand part cost.

Front frame member 182 includes an air channel 192 within as shown inFIG. 6. Front frame member 182 serves as an air box for vehicle 100.Referring to FIG. 6, air enters an air inlet 194 located in the front offront frame member 182, passes around a steering column 196 of steeringassembly 130, and exits through an air outlet 222 of front frame member182. The air outlet 222 is in fluid communication with engine 124 andcommunicates air to engine 124. The steering column 196 of steeringassembly 130 passes through a fork journal 200 of front frame member182. Sealed bearings are pressed into a top portion 197 and a bottomportion 199 of fork journal 200 and facilitate the rotation of steeringcolumn 196 relative to front frame member 182.

Referring to FIG. 7, an air filter 202 is positioned over air inlet 194so that air passes through air filter 202 and into the interior 192 offront frame member 182 on its way to engine 124. Referring to FIG. 3,air enters opening 134 between front wheel 110 and fairing 131. Thisresults in introducing cool air into the air box and ultimately intoengine 124.

Air filter 202 is located behind the headlight assembly 138 (see FIG. 3)which mounts to a front portion 204 of a mounting bracket 206 coupled tofront frame member 182. By placing air filter 202 up front, air filter202 is easily accessible for servicing. In the illustrated embodiment,air filter 202 is held in place through two couplers 208 (one shown),illustratively fasteners. To replace air filter 202 couplers 208 areremoved and air filter 202 may slide down out of place. Once removedfrom air inlet 194 a replacement air filter 202 may be installed byre-securing couplers 208.

Mounting bracket 206 along with supporting light assembly 138, supportsmany other components including front panel 136, access panel 146,windshield 148, and additional components including an instrument paneland rear view mirrors. In addition, mounting bracket 206 has coupledthereto a mounting bracket 210 to which a fuse box (not shown) may becoupled. A similar mounting bracket is positioned on the left side ofmounting bracket 206 to mount a similar fuse box. By locating the fusebox proximate to mounting bracket 206, an operator may easily replace afuse by removing access panel 146 to gain access to the fuse box.

An upper access opening 212 (see FIG. 6) of front frame member 182 iscovered with a cover 214 secured with multiple fasteners. Cover 214 alsosupports an electronic module 216 which interfaces with the turn signalsto act as an auto cancellation module in case the turn signals areinadvertently left on. Harnesses extending rearward from electronicmodule 216 and/or additional components are organized by harnessmanagement member 218 having a plurality of channels 220 to maintainvarious harnesses in a spaced apart arrangement.

Air outlet 222 (see FIG. 6) of front frame member 182 is connected witha seal 224 that is in fluid communication with engine 124 andcommunicates air to engine 124. Also, in fluid communication withinterior 192 of front frame member 182 is a drain hose 226 coupled to afront port of front frame member 182 and a crankcase breather hose 228coupled to a rear port of front frame member 182. Drain hose 226 iscapped with a drain plug 230. Drain hose 226 is used to drain any fluidsthat may have accumulated within the air box. Crankcase breather hose228 is used to reduce pressure building up in the crankcase bytransferring gases, such as oil vapor and/or hydrocarbons, back to theintake system.

Referring to FIG. 8, steering assembly 130 is shown. Steering assembly130 includes handlebars 132 which include a handlebar member 250 and aleft and right grip 252, 254. As is known in the art, each of left grip252 and right grip 254 may be configured to control and/or haveassociated therewith one or more components to control engine 124, thetransmission and/or the front and/or rear brakes of two-wheeled vehicle100. As shown in FIG. 8, handlebars 132 are coupled to center steeringcolumn 196 and left and right steering columns 256, 258 through an upperbracket 260.

Center steering column 196 passes through fork journal 200 in frontframe member 182. Left and right steering columns 256, 258 arepositioned to a left side and a right side of front frame member 182,respectively. As used herein, the left side corresponds to a left sideof an operator straddling seat 102 facing forward and the right sidecorresponds to a right side of an operator straddling seat 102 facingforward.

A lower bracket 262 also couples center steering column 196 and left andright steering columns 256, 258 together. Upper bracket 260 ispositioned above front frame member 182 and lower bracket 262 ispositioned below front frame member 182. Left and right steering columns256, 258 are coupled to front wheel 110 through an axle 264. Further, afender 266 is coupled to left and right steering columns 256, 258 andpositioned over front wheel 110.

In one embodiment, a portion of steering assembly 130 is positionedrearward of a forward portion of at least one fuel storage tank (fuelstorage tank 272 illustrated) of two-wheeled vehicle 100. Referring toFIG. 10, in one embodiment, two-wheeled vehicle 100 includes a fuelstorage system 270 which includes two fuel storage tanks, fuel storagetank 272 and fuel storage tank 274. Additional details about fuelstorage system 270 are provided herein.

Returning to FIG. 9, a portion of steering assembly 130 is positionedrearward of a forward portion of fuel storage tank 272 of fuel storagesystem 270. Steering assembly 130 may be divided into three portions, abottom portion 276, a middle portion 278, and a top portion 280. Bottomportion 276 of steering assembly 130 is the portion of steering assembly130 which extends below a bottom plane 282 of fuel storage tank 272.Bottom plane 282 of the fuel storage tank is a horizontal plane passingthrough the lowermost point of fuel storage tank 272. Top portion 280 ofsteering assembly 130 is the portion of steering assembly 130 whichextends above a top plane 284 of fuel storage tank 272. Top plane 284 offuel storage tank 272 is a horizontal plane passing through theuppermost point of fuel storage tank 272. Middle portion 278 of steeringassembly 130 is the portion of steering assembly 130 which is betweenbottom plane 282 of fuel storage tank 272 and top plane 284 of fuelstorage tank 272.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, bottom portion 276 of steering assembly 130 iscoupled to top portion 280 of steering assembly 130 through middleportion 278. Middle portion 278 has at least a portion 286 thereof whichis positioned rearward of a front plane 288 of fuel storage tank 272.Further, portion 286 of middle portion 278 is positioned forward of arear plane 290 of fuel storage tank 272. Rear plane 290 of fuel storagetank 272 being a vertical plane passing through the rear-most point offuel storage tank 272. In the illustrated embodiment, the connectionbetween handlebars 132 and upper bracket 260 is located rearward offront plane 288 and below top plane 284.

By having fuel storage tank 272 positioned such that at least a portion292 thereof is forward of portion 286 of middle portion 278 of steeringassembly 130 assists in moving a center of gravity 298 (see FIG. 1) oftwo-wheeled vehicle 100 forward. For touring motorcycles, such as theillustrated embodiment of two-wheeled vehicle 100, a large portion ofthe load of the motorcycle is generally positioned over rear wheel 112.For example, the load of the operator and/or passenger is generallycarried by the rear wheel 112. Further, any cargo positioned withinsaddlebags 176, 178 and/or removable trunk 174 (shown in phantom inFIG. 1) is generally carried by the rear wheel 112. By moving more ofthe load forward, vehicle 100 has increased cargo carrying capabilityand better stability when an operator holds vehicle 100 upright whilestopped.

Referring to FIG. 1, additional steps have been taken with regard tovehicle 100 to lower center of gravity 298 of two-wheeled vehicle 100and to move center of gravity 298 towards front wheel 110. As oneexample, of shifting center of gravity 298 forward and lower, a batteryof vehicle 100 whose location 300 is shown in phantom in FIG. 1 islocated in front of engine 124 behind front wheel 110. The battery isused to provide power for the electrical start of vehicle 100 to startvehicle 100 and/or power various accessories or lights of vehicle 100while engine 124 is not running.

Location 300 of the battery also provides for easy access to thebattery. Battery cables may be attached to the battery without removingany of the body panels of vehicle 100 or removing seat 102 of vehicle100. As such, the battery may be charged or jumped without the removalof seat 102 or any of the body panels.

In one embodiment, center of gravity 298 is about 487 mm (about 19.17inches) above ground 114 and about 3% forward of a midpoint of a lineconnecting front axle 264 of front wheel 110 and a rear axle 265 (seeFIG. 5) of rear wheel 112 when vehicle 100 is full of fluids withouttaking into account the weight of the trunk 174, the weight of anycargo, or the weight of the operator or passenger. Thus, the loadbetween front wheel 110 and rear wheel 112 is generally balanced.

Referring to FIG. 12, the fuel storage system 270 of vehicle 100 isshifted forward compared to traditional motorcycles which furtherassists in balancing the load between front wheel 110 and rear wheel112. As shown in FIG. 12, right fuel storage tank 272 is positioned on aright side of front frame member 182 and outward of front frame member182 and left fuel storage tank 274 is positioned on a left side of frontframe member 182 and outward of front frame member 182. Right fuelstorage tank 272 and left fuel storage tank 274 are supported by frontframe member 182 and are positioned around the air channel 192 withinfront frame member 182. In one embodiment, right side fuel storage tank272 and left side fuel storage tank 274 are positioned to balance thefuel load of vehicle 100 about centerline plane 116. Steering assembly130 is positioned between right side fuel storage tank 272 and left sidefuel storage tank 274. In one embodiment, at least a portion of one orboth of right fuel storage tank and left fuel storage tank overlaps atleast one of a top portion of front frame member 182 and a bottomportion of front frame member 182.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, right side fuel storage tank 272 and leftside fuel storage tank 274 are in fluid communication with each otherthrough an upper fluid conduit 310 and a lower fluid conduit 312. Fuelis provided from fuel storage system 270 through a fuel line 314 toengine 124. Fuel line 314 is connected to a fuel pump 316 located inright side fuel storage tank 272. Fuel pump 316 pumps fuel from theinterior of right side fuel storage tank 272 through fuel line 314 toengine 124. In one embodiment, fuel pump 316 has an integrated roll-overvalve built into it as a safety precaution. Also connected to fuel pump316 is a vent line 324 which is coupled to canister (not shown) filledwith filter-activated charcoal.

As shown in FIG. 2, vehicle 100 includes a side stand 320. Vehicle 100,like many motorcycles, is supported by front wheel 110, rear wheel 112,and side stand 320 when an operator is not positioned on vehicle 100.One of example of when this is likely the case is when an operator isintroducing fuel into fuel storage system 270. To introduce fuel intofuel storage system 270, a gas cap 322 is removed from right side fuelstorage tank 272. Gas is then introduced into right side fuel storagetank 272. In one embodiment, storage tank 272 includes a filler neck(not shown) that extends down into tank 272 from gas cap 322 whichcontrols the amount of fuel that may be put in tank 272 and tank 274.Fuel in right side fuel storage tank 272 travels through line 312 intoleft side fuel storage tank 274 due to the leaning of vehicle 100 to theleft side because vehicle 100 is supported on side stand 320. Line 310connects the airspace above the fuel in left side fuel storage tank 274and right side fuel storage tank 272. As fuel travels from right sidefuel storage tank 272 into left side fuel storage tank 274 air isdisplaced through line 310 from left side fuel storage tank 274 intoright side fuel storage tank 272.

In one embodiment, gas cap 322 includes a vapor and pressure releasevalve. The vapor and pressure release valve prevents the presence ofunwanted pressure fluctuations being present in fuel storage tanks 272,274. For example, if line 324 gets pinched and the fuel pump 316continues to pump fuel out of tank 272, tank 272 may implode unless airis permitted to enter tank 272 through the vapor and pressure releasevalve of gas cap 322.

Returning to FIG. 5, a swing arm 380 is rotatably coupled to rear framemember 184 through a pivot shaft 382. Swing arm 380 may rotate downwardin direction 384 away from rear frame member 184 and upward in direction386 toward rear frame member 184. Swing arm 380 includes a left arm 390,a right arm 392 and a middle portion 394. Rear wheel 112 is received inthe area 396 between left arm 390 and right arm 392 and rearward ofmiddle portion 394. In one embodiment, swing arm 380 is a one-piececasting. In one example, swing arm 380 is cast through a lost coreprocess.

As explained herein, a rear suspension 400 is coupled to swing arm 380through middle portion 394. Referring to FIGS. 13-15, rear suspension400 is shown.

Referring to FIG. 13, rear frame member 184 and swing arm 380 are shownassembled. Further, rear wheel 112 is shown assembled to swing arm 380.In one embodiment, rear axle 265 is coupled to swing arm 380 with aclip. Additional details regarding the coupling of an axle to a chassisare found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/085,754, filed Mar. 21,2005, published as U.S. Published Patent Application No.US2006-0226631A1, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated byreference herein.

Further, a support bracket 402 is shown attached to rear frame member184. Support bracket 402 supports saddlebags 176 and 178 and othercomponents of the rear body of two-wheeled vehicle 100. Saddlebag 176 issupported by a left portion 404 of support bracket 402 and saddlebag 178is supported by a right portion 406 of support bracket 402. Supportbracket 402 also serves as a heat sink for the electronic control module(“ECM”) 405 of vehicle 100 which is supported by a middle portion 408 ofsupport bracket 402.

As shown in the FIG. 13, rear frame member 184 and swing arm 380 arerotatably coupled through a first connection, pivot shaft 382. A secondconnection is made between rear frame member 184 and swing arm 380through rear suspension 400. In one embodiment, swing arm 380 and rearsuspension are coupled to the frame in less than three locations. In oneembodiment, swing arm 380 and rear suspension are coupled to the framein two locations.

Referring to FIG. 15, rear suspension 400 includes a shock absorber 410,a pushrod 412, and a connecting link 414. The linkage of pushrod 412 andconnecting link 414 scale the movement of the shock absorber 410 by amultiplication factor to correlate to the movement of swing arm 380.

As shown in FIG. 15, connecting link 414 is rotatably connected to rearframe member 184 through a pivot pin 416 and associated bearing androtatable about a horizontal axis 420 in directions 422, 424. Pushrod412 is rotatably coupled to swing arm 380 through a coupler 426 receivedin a rubber bushing and is rotatably coupled to connecting link 414through a coupler 428. In one embodiment, coupler 428 is a sphericalbearing along with a bolt and nut. Shock absorber 410 is rotatablycoupled to swing arm 380 through a coupler 430 received in a rubberbushing and is rotatably coupled to connecting link 414 through acoupler 432. In one embodiment, coupler 432 is a spherical bearing alongwith a bolt and nut. Shock absorber 410 has shown in FIG. 15 is coupledto swing arm 380 and rear frame member 184 in a generally verticalorientation. In one embodiment, shock absorber 410 is an air shockavailable from KYB America LLC located at 140 N. Mitchell Court,Addison, Ill. 60101.

In one embodiment, shock absorber 410 is an air adjustable shock.Referring to FIG. 14, shock absorber 410 has a suspension adjustercoupled thereto, illustratively air line 454. The amount of air in shockabsorber 410 may be adjusted upward or downward by adding air to shockabsorber 410 or removing air from shock absorber 410, respectively. Inone embodiment, an air inlet valve 456 is accessible from within rearbodywork 160. An operator may couple air inlet valve 456 to a standardair compressor to adjust the amount of air in shock absorber 410. Bybeing capable to adjust the amount of air in air shock 410, an operatormay adjust the ride height of vehicle 100 for the amount of cargo weightbeing carried.

Referring to FIG. 13A, air inlet valve 456 extends through an opening181 in a saddlebag base member 175 and is secured to saddlebag basemember 175 with a retainer 183, illustratively a nut. Saddlebag basemember is coupled to support bracket 402 and rear frame member 184. Thelocation of opening 181 is covered by saddlebag cover 179, whensaddlebag cover 179 is in a closed position, such as shown in FIG. 1. Assuch, an operator would open saddlebag cover 179 to access air inletvalve 456 which extends through opening 181. By having opening 181 in aspaced apart location from storage compartment 177, an operator does notneed to disturb and/or remove any cargo to access air inlet line 456.

As shown in FIG. 16A, rear suspension 400 is arranged such that pushrod412 and connecting link 414 move in a plane which is not parallel to thecenterline plane 116 of vehicle 100. In the illustrated embodiment,pushrod 412 and connecting link 414 move in a plane which isperpendicular to the centerline plane 116 of the vehicle 100. In oneembodiment, pushrod 412 and connecting link 414 move in multiple planes,each of which is not parallel to the centerline plane.

Referring to FIGS. 16-19, the operation of rear suspension 400 isdescribed. As described herein, rear suspension 400 exhibits a generallyconstant motion ratio through the travel range of rear suspension 400.In one embodiment, rear suspension 400 is arranged so that pushrod 412and connecting link 414 move in a plane which is not parallel to thecenterline plane 116 of vehicle 100, but the motion ratio of rearsuspension 400 is one of either a linear rising rate through the travelrange of rear suspension 400 or a generally linear falling rate throughthe travel range of rear suspension 400. In one embodiment, rearsuspension 400 is arranged so that pushrod 412 and connecting link 414move in a plane which is parallel to the centerline plane 116 of vehicle100 and the motion ratio of rear suspension 400 is generally constantthrough the travel range of rear suspension 400.

FIG. 16A illustrates a side view of rear frame member 184, swing arm380, rear wheel 112, and rear suspension 400 when rear suspension 400 isin an extended state. FIG. 16B illustrates rear suspension 400 when inthe extended state of FIG. 16A. FIG. 17A illustrates a side view of rearframe member 184, swing arm 380, rear wheel 112, and rear suspension 400when rear suspension 400 is in a mid-travel state. FIG. 17B illustratesrear suspension 400 when in the mid-travel state of FIG. 17A. FIG. 18Aillustrates a side view of rear frame member 184, swing arm 380, rearwheel 112, and rear suspension 400 when rear suspension 400 is in acompressed state. FIG. 18B illustrates rear suspension 400 when in thecompressed state of FIG. 18A. In one embodiment, rear suspension 400 hasabout 5 inches (about 12.7 centimeters) of rear suspension travel and aseat height (d₁ in FIG. 21) of up to about 26.5 inches (about 67.31centimeters).

In the extended state shown in FIG. 16B, a length (L) of shock absorber410 is extended. The upper coupler 432 connecting shock absorber 410 andconnecting link 414 is generally higher than the upper coupler 428connecting pushrod 412 and connecting link 414. Connecting link 414 isrotated from horizontal in direction 422. The extended state correspondsto a state wherein vehicle 100 is not supporting an operator, passenger,or cargo.

In the mid-travel state shown in FIG. 17B, due to the upward movement ofswing arm 380 shock absorber 410 is compressed thereby reducing a length(L) of shock absorber 410 compared to the extended state. In oneembodiment, a lower portion of shock absorber 410 moves upward withswing arm 380 and an upper portion of shock absorber 410 moves downwarddue to the rotation of connecting link 414. This may be due to theaddition of an operator or cargo. The upper coupler 432 connecting shockabsorber 410 and connecting link 414 is lower compared to the extendedstate and the upper coupler 428 connecting pushrod 412 and connectinglink 414 is higher compared to the extended state. Connecting link 414is rotated in direction 424 relative to the extended state.

In the compressed state shown in FIG. 18B, a length (L) of shockabsorber 410 is reduced compared to the mid-travel state. This may bedue to the addition of both an operator and cargo and/or the furtheraddition of a passenger. The upper coupler 432 connecting shock absorber410 and connecting link 414 is lower compared to the mid-travel stateand the upper coupler 428 connecting pushrod 412 and connecting link 414is higher compared to the mid-travel state. Connecting link 414 isrotated in direction 424 relative to the mid-travel state.

As mentioned herein, rear suspension 400 has a generally constantoverall motion ratio (MR) through the suspension travel. Motion ratio isthe rear axle 265 displacement divided by the shock absorber 410displacement. Referring to FIG. 19, as represented by line 450 whenconsidering only the movement from a side view (FIGS. 16A, 17A, 18A)which is in-plane with the centerline plane 116 of vehicle 100 themotion ratio of rear suspension 400 is progressive or increasing withthe extent of the travel. The motion ratio when considering only thein-plane movement may be calculated as the ratio of the length of thelever arm causing the linkage of rear suspension 400 to move (thehorizontal distance from the pivot of the swing arm 380 with rear framemember 184 to rear axle 265) and the length of the lever arm that thelinkage works through (the perpendicular distance from the pivot of theswing arm 380 with rear frame member 184 to the pivot of the shockabsorber and the swingarm). In one embodiment, the motion ratio from theside view increases about 10.3% as the swingarm moves upward.

In contrast, the movement of the linkage, pushrod 412 and connectinglink 414, is arranged in one embodiment to achieve a regressive motionratio of about 26%. When combined with the progressive nature of theshock absorber 410 and the progressive in-plane motion ratio, agenerally constant motion ratio is achieved. The geometry of theconnecting link 414 and the placement of the pivot points (couplers 428,432) dictate the motion ratio of the linkage. In one embodiment, thepivot locations of couplers 428, 430 are designed to give an overallgenerally constant motion ratio which is less than about 1.5. In theillustrated embodiment, the pivot locations of couplers 428, 430 aredesigned to give an overall linkage motion ratio of approximately 0.5,and to ensure that this motion ratio is constant through the suspensiontravel range. The overall motion ratio of rear suspension 400 isrepresented by line 452 in FIG. 19.

The calculation of the overall motion ratio may be carried out asfollows. The motion ratio (MR) may be found from equation 1

$\begin{matrix}{{MR} = \frac{Dshock}{Daxle}} & (1)\end{matrix}$wherein MR=Motion ratio; Dshock=Displacement (change in length) of shockabsorber 410; and Daxle=Displacement of rear axle 265.The displacement of the shock absorber 410 may be found from equation 2Dshock=Dtop+Dbottom  (2)wherein Dtop=Displacement of top of shock absorber 410 relative to themotorcycle chassis 180 and Dbottom=Displacement of the bottom of theshock absorber 410 relative to the motorcycle chassis 180. Dbottom mayalso be expressed as

$\begin{matrix}{{Dbottom} = {{Daxle}\frac{Llinkage}{Lswingarm}}} & (3)\end{matrix}$wherein Llinkage=The perpendicular distance between the swingarm pivotand the shock absorber axis and Lswingarm=the perpendicular distancebetween the swingarm pivot and the centerline of the rear axle. Dtop mayalso be expressed as

$\begin{matrix}{{Dtop} = {{{Dbottom}\left( \frac{Ls}{Lp} \right)} = {{{Daxle}\left( \frac{Llinkage}{Lswingarm} \right)}\;\left( \frac{Ls}{Lp} \right)}}} & (4)\end{matrix}$wherein Ls=Perpendicular distance between the shock absorber axis andthe pivot of connecting link 414 and Lp=Perpendicular distance betweenthe pushrod axis and the pivot of connecting link 414.Substituting equations 3 and 4 into equation 2, Dshock may be expressedas

$\begin{matrix}{{Dshock} = {{{Daxle}\left( \frac{Llinkage}{Lswingarm} \right)} + {{{Daxle}\left( \frac{Llinkage}{Lswingarm} \right)}\left( \frac{Ls}{Lp} \right)}}} & \text{(5a)} \\{{Dshock} = {{{Daxle}\left( \frac{Llinkage}{Lswingarm} \right)}\left( {1 + \frac{Ls}{Lp}} \right)}} & \text{(5b)}\end{matrix}$Further, as stated in equation 1, MR is the ratio of Dshock to Daxle.Therefore, MR may be expressed as

$\begin{matrix}{\frac{Dshock}{Daxle} = {\left( \frac{Llinkage}{Lswingarm} \right)\left( {1 + \frac{Ls}{Lp}} \right)}} & \text{(6a)} \\{{MR} = {\left( \frac{Llinkage}{Lswingarm} \right)\left( {1 + \frac{Ls}{Lp}} \right)}} & \text{(6b)}\end{matrix}$

The graph in FIG. 19 may be generated based on equations 1-6. Again,line 450 represents the progressive nature of the in-plane portion ofthe motion ratio that would be seen if there was no connecting link 414or pushrod 412, and the shock absorber 410 was connected to swing arm380 at the bottom and chassis 180 at the top. Line 452 represents theoverall motion ratio and shows the effect of the added linkagecomponents on the overall motion ratio. As can be seen on the graph inFIG. 19, the in-plane linkage is progressive, but the overall motionratio is constant through the travel range. In one embodiment, thegenerally constant motion ratio is a desirable characteristic for goodride comfort.

In one embodiment, two shock absorbers are used in place of rearsuspension 400. Each shock absorber is connected to swing arm 380 andrear frame member 184.

Referring to FIG. 21, the configuration of rear suspension 400, permitsthe seat height location of vehicle 100 to be lowered. As shown in FIG.21, a top surface of seat 102 in an area corresponding to where theoperator would be seated is a distance d₁ from ground 114. The distanced₁ also takes into account a depth d₂ of padding positioned below theseat surface to cushion the ride of the operator. Exemplary paddingincludes foam. In one embodiment, the distance d₁ is about 26.5 inches(about 67.31 centimeters) and the distance d₂ is about 4.0 inches (about10.16 centimeters) while maintaining a ground clearance d₃ of about 5inches (about 12.7 centimeters) with the operator of about 180 pounds onvehicle 100 and no cargo. In one embodiment, the operator seat has aheight above a lower portion of the location 502 of up to about 21.5inches (d₁-d₃).

The configuration of rear suspension 400 also permits enough clearanceto permit the exhaust system 500 to cross underneath swing arm 380 at alocation 502. In one embodiment, the exhaust system 500 extends rearwardfrom engine 124 towards rear wheel 112 passing in front of rear wheel112 from a first side of vehicle 100 to a second side of vehicle 100 ata height lower than pivot axle 382.

Referring to FIG. 20, exhaust system 500 is shown. Exhaust system 500includes a front headpipe 504 which connects to a front cylinder ofengine 124 and a rear headpipe 506 which connects to a rear cylinder ofengine 124. Each of front headpipe 504 and rear headpipe 506 has arespective weld-shield 508, 510 which covers an exterior of therespective headpipe 504, 506. Headpipes 504 and 506 are each connectedto a cross-over section 512. Cross-over section 512 is connected to aright side muffler 514 and a left side muffler 516. Right side muffler514 and a left side muffler 516 are each covered by a respectiveweld-shield 518, 520. Exhaust from engine 124 is communicated toheadpipes 504 and 506 which in turn communicate the exhaust tocross-over section 512. Cross-over section 512 then communicates theexhaust to right side muffler 514 and left side muffler 516 which are influid communication with the atmosphere.

Cross-over section 512 includes a first section 522 which is connectedto right side muffler 514 and a second section 524 which is connected toleft side muffler 516. Right side muffler 514 is located on a right sideof rear wheel 112. Left side muffler 516 is located on a left side ofrear wheel 112. Second section 524 passes under swing arm 380 throughlocation 502.

In one embodiment, vehicle 100 includes a tip-over system 600 whichprevents an unwanted tip-over of vehicle 100 from a generally verticalposition. In various situations, two-wheeled vehicles may tip over whenleft unattended or when being walked by an operator. This results inunwanted damage to various components, such as mirrors and body panels.

Referring to FIG. 4, tip-over apparatus 600 includes a left reartip-over apparatus 602, a left front tip-over apparatus 604, a rightrear tip-over apparatus 606, and a right front tip-over apparatus 608.Right front tip-over apparatus 608 is a mirror image of left fronttip-over apparatus 604. Right rear tip-over apparatus 606 is a mirrorimage of left rear tip-over apparatus 602.

In one embodiment, vehicle 100 may be supported by either right fronttip-over apparatus 608 and right rear tip-over apparatus 606 or leftfront tip-over apparatus 604 and left rear tip-over apparatus 602 whentipped from vertical to either the right side or the left side,respectively. Right front tip-over apparatus 608 and right rear tip-overapparatus 606 and left front tip-over apparatus 604 and left reartip-over apparatus 602 are designed to support vehicle 100 when full offuel and carrying about 65 pounds (about 29.48 kilograms) of cargo. Thepresence of right front tip-over apparatus 608 and right rear tip-overapparatus 606 and left front tip-over apparatus 604 and left reartip-over apparatus 602 also prevent vehicle 100 from falling over on aleg of the operator pinning the operator under vehicle 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, left front tip-over apparatus 604 is locatedforward of footrest 610. Left front tip-over apparatus 604 is supportedby chassis 180.

Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, left rear tip-over apparatus 602 is shown.Referring to FIG. 23 left rear tip-over apparatus 602 includes agenerally horizontally extending wing 620 and a generally verticallyextending support member 622 coupled to the horizontally extending wing620 through couplers 621.

The horizontally extending wing 620 is coupled to the swing arm pivotshaft 382. Swing arm pivot shaft 382 includes a threaded end sectionwhich cooperates with a fastener 624 to couple the horizontallyextending wing 620 to the remainder of vehicle 100. The verticallyextending support member 622 is coupled to rear frame member 184 withcouplers 626. Left rear tip-over apparatus 602 is fixed to rear framemember 184 and does not move along with swing arm 380.

The horizontally extending wing 620 also serves as a support for asecond set of footrests 630 which may be used by a passenger of vehicle100. Footrests 630 are rotatably coupled to horizontally extending wing620 through a coupler 632 which is received by a mounting feature 634 ofhorizontally extending wing 620.

Referring to FIG. 24, tip-over system 600 permits vehicle 100 to tip tothe left or right up to an angle a₁ relative to ground 114. At angle a₁the front fairing 132 and saddlebags 176 and 178 are not in contact withground 114 nor any other components of vehicle 100 except for frontwheel 110, rear wheel 112, and tip over system 600. In one embodiment,angle a₁ is about 46°.

While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design,the present invention may be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains.

1. A two-wheeled vehicle, comprising: a front wheel; a rear wheelgenerally positioned in line with the front wheel along a longitudinalplane of the two-wheeled vehicle; a frame supported by the front wheeland the rear wheel; an engine coupled to the frame and operably coupledto the rear wheel to power the rear wheel; a straddle seat supported bythe frame, the straddle seat having a support surface; a storagecompartment supported by the frame and positioned proximate to the rearwheel, the storage compartment positioned laterally outward of the rearwheel and overlapping a portion of the rear wheel from a directionnormal to the longitudinal plane; and at least one support memberpositioned to support the two-wheeled vehicle to prevent damage to anexterior of the storage compartment in the event of the two-wheeledvehicle unintentionally tipping, the at least one support memberpositioned rearward of the engine in a non-overlapping relationship withthe storage compartment and coupled to the frame to prevent movement ofthe at least one support member relative to the frame.
 2. Thetwo-wheeled vehicle of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a rear framemember and a swingarm rotatably coupled to the rear frame through apivot shaft and coupled to the rear wheel, the at least one supportmember being coupled to the pivot shaft.
 3. The two-wheeled vehicle ofclaim 2, wherein the at least one support member is further coupled tothe rear frame member.
 4. The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 1, whereinthe at least one support member supports a footrest.
 5. The two-wheeledvehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one support member ispositioned to permit the vehicle to tip greater than halfway fromvertical to a left side or a right side.
 6. The two-wheeled vehicle ofclaim 5, wherein the at least one support member is positioned to permitthe vehicle to tip up to 46 degrees from vertical to the left side orthe right side.
 7. The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 1, wherein the atleast one support member includes a left front support member, a leftrear support member, a right front support member, and a right rearsupport member.
 8. The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 7, wherein the frameincludes a rear frame member and a swingarm rotatably coupled to therear frame through a pivot shaft and coupled to the rear wheel, the leftrear support member and the right rear support member being coupled tothe pivot shaft.
 9. A two-wheeled vehicle, comprising: a front wheel; arear wheel generally positioned in line with the front wheel along alongitudinal plane of the two-wheeled vehicle; a frame supported by thefront wheel and the rear wheel, the frame including a rear frame memberand a swingarm, the swingarm being rotatably coupled to the rear framemember through a pivot shaft; an engine coupled to the frame andoperably coupled to the rear wheel to power the rear wheel; a straddleseat supported by the frame, the straddle seat having a support surface;and at least one support member positioned to support the two-wheeledvehicle from unintentionally tipping, the at least one support memberbeing coupled to the pivot shaft.
 10. The two-wheeled vehicle of claim9, wherein the at least one support member is further coupled to therear frame member.
 11. The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 9, wherein theat least one support member supports a footrest.
 12. The two-wheeledvehicle of claim 9, wherein the at least one support member ispositioned to permit the vehicle to tip greater than halfway fromvertical to a left side or a right side.
 13. The two-wheeled vehicle ofclaim 12, wherein the at least one support member is positioned topermit the vehicle to tip up to 46° from vertical to the left side orthe right side.
 14. The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 9, wherein the atleast one support member includes a left rear support member and a rightrear support member.
 15. The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 1, wherein arear end of the at least one support member is positioned between afront edge and a trailing edge of the rear wheel.
 16. The two-wheeledvehicle of claim 9, wherein a rear end of the at least one supportmember is positioned between a front edge and a trailing edge of therear wheel.
 17. The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 9, wherein the vehicleonly has up to two wheels contacting the ground when the at least onesupport member contacts the ground.
 18. A two-wheeled vehicle,comprising: a front wheel; a rear wheel generally positioned in linewith the front wheel along a longitudinal plane of the two-wheeledvehicle; a frame supported by the front wheel and the rear wheel; anengine coupled to the frame and operably coupled to the rear wheel topower the rear wheel; a straddle seat supported by the frame, thestraddle seat having a support surface; a storage compartment supportedby the frame and positioned proximate to the rear wheel, the storagecompartment positioned laterally outward of the rear wheel andoverlapping a portion of the rear wheel from a direction normal to thelongitudinal plane; and a support device positioned to support thetwo-wheeled vehicle to prevent damage to an exterior of the storagecompartment in the event of the two-wheeled vehicle unintentionallytipping, the support device positioned in a non-overlapping relationshipwith the storage compartment and extending outward from the storagecompartment from below the storage compartment, wherein an outer portionof the support device contacts the ground during an unintentionaltipping of the two-wheeled vehicle and is maintained at a fixed distancefrom the longitudinal plane of the two-wheeled vehicle.
 19. Thetwo-wheeled vehicle of claim 18, wherein the frame includes a rear framemember and a swingarm rotatably coupled to the rear frame member througha pivot shaft and coupled to the rear wheel, the swingarm being moveablerelative to the support device.
 20. The two-wheeled vehicle of claim 19,wherein the support device is coupled to the rear frame member and tothe pivot shaft.